Home Help: Let fall’s colors inspire decor

Wednesday

Click inside for the weekly home and garden rail, with items on fall decorating, a how-to on using a plunger, tips on building a bat house for your backyard and more. Or check out these links:

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Decorating Tip: Nature's bounty inspires fall interiors

The warm tones of the autumn harvest transform your indoor haven from one resonating light summer frivolity to something a little richer with more depth.

Fall thrives on all things rustic and natural - so it's no wonder that a home enhanced by a backdrop of deep brown, gold, green and purple reflects the season's warmth.

Armed with a palette of rich autumn-inspired hues, a high-quality wall paint, the right applicators and a sense of creativity, you'll easily be able to reinvigorate your home into a vibrant reflection of the harvest season.

Paint

Paint, in general, is a savvy, cost-effective way to transform your interior from the light, airy summer palette to autumn's bolder, warmer hues. A simple change of wall colors lends a completely different feel.

While the pairing of blue and brown remains popular, designers have mined a new combination of colors for fall interiors: green and brown.

Blending nature's two most prevalent colors, this sophisticated, yet accessible, combination plays well in a variety of interior rooms and settings.

Prep work

While color is critically important, don't forget, in any painting project true success lies in the initial legwork and the tools you use to get the job done. Make sure you properly prepare your walls before painting. You'll be glad you did.

Repair any holes or cracks, sanding the spackle smooth. Wash the walls to remove any debris or grime, then prime with a quality latex primer to provide the best possible canvas for your new palette.

The quality of tools you use also is important. A poorly constructed brush or roller cover can make a great color look terrible when it's applied. Selecting the right brush and roller is crucial. Cheap brushes can lose bristles and spread paint unevenly.

-- ARA

Home-Selling Tip: Keep it clean

A few more tips for preparing your home for showings: Remove all clutter from every room, including closets. Organize your basement and attic. Have a garage sale with all the stuff you don't want to move to your next home.

Maintain the new and improved interior and exterior of your home until you successfully sell. It's hard, but it's necessary.

-- www.statefarm.com

How To: Use a plunger

The plunger is one of the most trusted tools in unclogging a drain. Here are a few tips to make plunging more effective.

- Block the overflow holes, other drains in adjacent sinks or any other openings by stuffing wet rags into the holes.

- If water is not already present in the basin, run 2 to 3 inches of water over the drain hole. The water helps to force the obstruction out of the way and you’ll know when you succeed.

- Apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly to the rim of the plunger. This helps create a tighter seal and greater suction.

- Force the plunger handle down powerfully numerous times. After plunging for a minute or two, stop to test whether water will drain. When clear, run hot water to flush away any remaining particles from the clog.

-- lowes.com

Did You Know …

Hot water heating accounts for about 90 percent of the energy your washing machine uses to wash clothes — only 10 percent goes to electricity used by the washer motor. -- www.energystar.gov

Home Improvements: Try IKEA’s online design tool

IKEA has an online tool that allows homeowners to become a virtual interior designer.

The IKEA Planner Tools let you drag and drop your choice of furniture into the room and fit it to the exact measurements of your home. Rearrange and try different styles until you’re satisfied with the result.

Once you’re happy with your plan, you can save it onto the IKEA server so that you can pick it up at an IKEA store. Then get final planning advice and assistance before purchasing the products you need.